A marriage is a wedding ceremony where two different people or one or two are united in relationship. Wedding practices and customs differ greatly between civilizations, ethnic categories, religions, countries, and public classes. Most marriages entail an exchange of relationship vows by the few, presentation of any gift idea (offering, ring(s), symbolic item, plants, money), and a general public proclamation of matrimony by an power shape or celebrant. Special wedding apparel tend to be worn, and the wedding ceremony is sometimes accompanied by a marriage reception. Music, poetry, prayers or readings from spiritual texts or books are also commonly contained into the wedding ceremony.

Some civilizations have adopted the original European custom of the white wedding, when a bride would wear a white bridal dress and veil. This custom was popularized through the relationship of Queen Victoria. Some say Victoria's selection of a white dress may have simply been an indicator of extravagance, but may are also inspired by the beliefs she placed which emphasized intimate purity. Within the present day 'white wedding' custom, a white dress and veil are abnormal selections for a woman's second or succeeding wedding.

The usage of a wedding wedding ring is definitely part of spiritual weddings in European countries and America, however the origins of the traditions is unclear. One likelihood is the Roman idea in the Vena amoris, that was thought to be a bloodstream vessel that ran from the 4th finger (diamond ring finger) right to the heart and soul. Thus, whenever a couple wore wedding rings upon this finger, their hearts were linked. Historian Vicki Howard highlights that the idea in the "old" quality of the practice is most probably a modern technology. "Double wedding ring" ceremonies are also today's practice, a groom's strap not appearing in america until the early on 20th century.

Most religions identify a long term union with set up ceremonies and rituals. Some religions allow polygamous relationships or same-sex relationships. Many Religious faiths focus on the bringing up of children as important in a relationship. In Judaism, relationship is so important that left over unmarried is regarded as unnatural. Islam also advises matrimony highly; among other activities, it can help in the quest for spiritual perfection.